Cambridge’s MP has rebelled against his party in voting against the Government’s plan to start formal Brexit negotiations.

Tonight the House of Commons chose overwhelmingly to back legislation allowing the Prime Minister to decide when to trigger Article 50, voting in favour by a majority of 384.

However Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner was among the 114 MPs who voted against the plan, defying a three-line whip by his leader Jeremy Corbyn. You can see a clip from his speech from parliament.tv above.

Daniel Zeichner in Cambridge Picture: Keith Jones

Speaking to the News before the vote he said he would vote against the bill, even if it cost him his job as shadow transport secretary.

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He said: "I will oppose attempts to take us out of the EU and vote accordingly. I made a pledge when elected to do my best to represent the interests of Cambridge people."

In the referendum last June, there was a big majority in the Cambridge City Council district in favour of remaining in the EU. Just over 26 per cent of residents said they wanted to leave, and nearly 74 per cent declared they wanted to stay.

Mr Zeichner added: I fully respect the quarter of those who voted in Cambridge to leave, but the overwhelming majority voted to remain, and I am reflecting that view, which is also a strongly held personal position.

“I do not believe that leaving the EU is good for Cambridge. We are an international and outward looking city, but whatever the outcome, I will work with everyone to get the best for our city."